Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken Recipe

If you’re hunting for a chicken dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but is a total breeze to make, you’re going to fall in love with this Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken. Juicy chicken breasts are grilled to perfection and then tossed in a buttery, garlicky, cheesy sauce—every bite is bursting with flavor and feels downright special!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken is in its simplicity—just a handful of everyday ingredients working together to create the most mouthwatering ensemble. Each one brings something special to the table, from rich umami and juicy texture to a bright pop of color.

• Chicken breasts (2 pounds, boneless and skinless): The lean, protein-packed base that turns perfectly juicy on the grill.
• Avocado oil (1/8 cup): Adds subtle flavor, keeps the chicken moist, and helps prevent sticking on the grill.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the savory goodness.
• Black pepper (1/8 teaspoon): A light kiss of heat and earthiness to balance out the cheesy richness.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon for chicken + 1 teaspoon for sauce): The backbone of that addictive garlicky flavor without overpowering fresh cloves.
• Butter, melted (2/3 cup): Bathes the grilled chicken in rich, silky decadence. (Yes, it’s as good as it sounds!)
• Parmesan cheese, finely grated (1/2 cup): Offers a nutty, salty punch that ties the whole dish together.
• Red pepper flakes (pinch): Lends just enough kick to wake up your taste buds.
• Parsley, chopped (1 tablespoon): For that final pop of fresh color and flavor—don’t skip it!

Variations

If you love to put your own spin on a recipe, Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken is endlessly customizable. Swap in favorite herbs, play with the heat level, or try out diet-friendly tweaks—your grill, your rules!

• Swap Chicken Cuts: Use boneless thighs or drumsticks for extra juicy results, or even try thin-cut pork chops with the same method.
• Herb Explosion: Add fresh basil or oregano to the sauce for extra Italian flair, or toss in some thyme for a cozy twist.
• Make It Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne if you crave a little fire with your flavor.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Try a plant-based butter and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative for a lactose-free version.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry, then add them to a large bowl with the avocado oil, a teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good toss so the chicken is lovingly coated in seasoning and oil—this step is key to juicy, flavorful results.

Step 2: Preheat and Grill

Crank up your grill to medium heat and, once it’s sizzling, lay the chicken breasts on the grates using tongs. Make sure they aren’t touching so you get those beautiful grill marks, and let them cook undisturbed for about 5–7 minutes on each side. If the chicken sticks when you try to flip, give it another minute—let the grill do its magic!

Step 3: Check for Doneness

Use a digital thermometer to check that the thickest part of each chicken breast reads 165°F. Safe, juicy, and never dry—this is your golden ticket for perfect Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken every time.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

While the chicken rests in a bowl, stir together the melted butter, a second teaspoon of garlic powder, Parmesan, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and the chopped parsley. This sauce is totally crave-worthy—don’t be surprised if you’re tempted to drizzle it on everything!

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Pour that warm, fragrant sauce right over the hot grilled chicken and toss everything gently so each piece is cloaked in garlicky, cheesy goodness. Let it rest for a couple minutes to soak up every last drop, then serve and watch everyone swoon!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken

Garnishes

For the prettiest Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken, shower the finished dish with a little extra grated Parmesan and a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. If you want to add a pop of color, finish with a few thin lemon slices or a scatter of finely diced red bell pepper.

Side Dishes

This chicken is dreamy alongside roasted veggies, creamy mashed potatoes, or over a bed of garlicky pasta. For lighter fare, try pairing it with a crisp Caesar salad or lemony grilled asparagus. A hunk of rustic bread to mop up the extra sauce is always a good idea!

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the chicken and layer it on toasted ciabatta for the ultimate summer sandwich, or dice it and serve over mixed greens for a hearty salad. You can even tuck leftovers into wraps, grain bowls, or as a protein-rich topping for baked potatoes. Let your imagination run wild!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to three days, and the flavors only deepen as it rests—making day-two lunches something to look forward to!

Freezing

You can freeze this chicken for up to two months. Allow it to cool, then wrap the pieces individually or store in a freezer-safe bag for easy thaw-and-reheat meals. Just note that while the flavor stays bold, the sauce may separate slightly—give it a good stir before serving.

Reheating

For quick reheating, pop the chicken in the microwave for a minute or two, or warm it gently in a preheated 350°F oven until heated through. To keep it from drying out, cover loosely with foil and add a tiny splash of chicken broth if needed.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Trust me, this Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken is about to earn a spot in your regular rotation. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, but impressive enough for a celebratory meal. Fire up the grill, invite your family or friends, and enjoy every juicy, golden, garlic-buttery bite!

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